Educational software helps teachers and students in any learning environment maximize the power of the computer. Hundreds of educational software titles are available, but not all are suitable for school use. Most educational software can be divided into two categories.
Content-free software is the more flexible of the two categories. It allows teachers and students to create their own content, such as word-processing and graphics programs, that support the user’s creativity. Table 8 lists a series of tasks that could be adapted to open-ended software.
Table 8. Content-Free Software Tasks and Software
Task
Suggested Software Type
Writing
Word-processing or desktop-publishing program (e.g., Word, Textease)
Writing a musical score
Score-arranging software (e.g., Sibelius)
Editing a digital photograph
Image-editing software (e.g., PhotoShop)
Brainstorming, essay planning
Concept-mapping software (e.g., Inspiration)
Content-rich software typically comprises multimedia content (e.g., graphics, video, sound, animation) presented in a very structured way. Content-rich software ranges from teaching basic number concepts and explaining complex mathematical equations to analyzing strategic military movements during World War II. Table 9 lists a series of tasks that could be adapted to content-rich software.
Table 9. Content-Rich Software Tasks and Software
Task
Suggested Software Type
Reinforcing basic number concepts
Drill-and-practice mathematics program (e.g., Millie's Math House)
Exploring electrical concepts
Science simulation program (e.g., Exploring Science)
Content-free software is the more flexible of the two categories. It allows teachers and students to create their own content, such as word-processing and graphics programs, that support the user’s creativity. Table 8 lists a series of tasks that could be adapted to open-ended software.
Table 8. Content-Free Software Tasks and Software
Content-rich software typically comprises multimedia content (e.g., graphics, video, sound, animation) presented in a very structured way. Content-rich software ranges from teaching basic number concepts and explaining complex mathematical equations to analyzing strategic military movements during World War II. Table 9 lists a series of tasks that could be adapted to content-rich software.
Table 9. Content-Rich Software Tasks and Software